“There is a strong will to remain in the first team.”

NC Dinos utility player Choi Jung-won remained on the first team despite a headshot shock. NC Lee Ho-jun explained Choi Jung-won's condition, who had received a headshot the day before (14th), ahead of the game against the Kia Tigers at Changwon NC Park on the 15th.

Choi Jung-won participated in the previous day's game as a late defensive substitute in the sixth inning. He came up to bat as a pinch hitter in the seventh inning with two outs and runners on first and third base. However, Choi Jung-won was struck in the head by Choi Ji-min's 145 km fastball on the third pitch with a count of 1 ball and 1 strike.

Choi Jung-won was unable to stand and was taken to the nearby Cheong-A Hospital emergency room by ambulance. Initial X-ray and CT scans showed no major issues, and he was diagnosed with a simple concussion.

Choi Jung-won was in a situation where he needed rest and stability. However, Choi Jung-won remained on the first team. Lee Ho-jun noted, “There is still some dizziness. He says he feels better than expected, but his will is very strong. He strongly rejects the idea of being taken off the roster.” He added, “He can be a pinch runner, but his will is so strong that I have to force him to calm down. I want him to rest. The training staff says he must take 4 to 5 days to stabilize, but his will is strong. For now, unless it is a really urgent situation, I am not going to let him play today.”

After the previous day's game, Kia manager Lee Beom-ho personally visited to apologize for the headshot, which surprised rookie manager Lee Ho-jun. He said, “I guess he made a call, but it was surprising that he came directly to apologize after the game. A new culture has emerged these days.”

He also stated, “I’m worried about our (Choi) Jung-won, but I’m also worried about pitcher (Choi) Ji-min.” Lee Ho-jun's eldest son, Lee Dong-hun, and Choi Ji-min are seniors and juniors from Gangneung High School. Lee Ho-jun has been watching him since childhood. The manager said, “He is a friend I have known for a long time. He is my eldest son’s junior. When my wife bought snacks and brought them to Gangneung, only one player would come. That was Ji-min. My wife thought he was very cute. He is polite, greets well, and has a kind heart.” He remarked, “I was worried about our Jung-won, but I think Ji-min was also quite surprised. I was worried about Ji-min as well.”

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